KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees22, Januar y, 2013

An EXAMINER publication

INSIDE

● Full story - Page 8

● Full story - Page 7

Making tax a hot topicCo lumn - Page 5

An EXAMINER publication

Sixteenjoin firmA VALVE maker hasbucked the gloomytrend to recruit 16 newstarters in threemonths. Koso KentIntrol said the newappointments came asthe company recordeda strong end to 2012.KKI manufactures andexports standardservice control valves,severe service controlvalves, high-technologysurface choke valvesand high-performancerotary valves to the oiland gas, petrochemicaland power industriesworldwide.

Busiestyear everA FIRM specialising inexternal wall insulationhas completed itsbusiest year with orderlevels more than doubleover the previous 12months.Holmfirth-basedHanson Structhermnow has its sights seton becoming the UK’snumber one supplier inits field. Marketingmanager YvonneColdwell said: “We’vehad an incredible year,but are not resting onour laurels.

NICK GARTLAND

exam

iner

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uk Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

FTSE 100+ 26.576180.98

KEVIN BARRETT

Co lumn - Page 4

Companies facingmore taxing timesKIRKLEES businesses have beenurged to call in the experts to helpthem get the Self-Assessment taxreturns in on time.

The call from Holmfirth-basedaccountancy firm V&A Bell Brown –backed by Colne Valley MP JasonMcCartney – comes after the firmscored a victory against the taxman onbehalf of a client who encountered aseries of over-payment cases andwrongly levied penalties.

V&A Bell Brown recouped almost£1,000 in over-paid tax, which MaxEarnshaw, director of West Yorkshireestate agency Earnshaw Kay Estates,had overpaid inadvertently.

The victory comes at the end of ahard fought two-and-a-half year longbattle to get their own money repaid.

The successful challenge followsHM Revenue & Customs’ announce-ment that it plans to make taxpayerslegally responsible for checking thatthe taxman is taking the correctamount of tax.

HMRC is proposing to change cur-rent rules which waive underpaymentof income tax if the root causes aredelays and mistakes by HMRC offi-cials. HMRC receives about 166,244complaints each year in response todemands for underpaid tax.

Jason McCartney said: “Amanda

Vigar and the team at V&A BellBrown have secured a great victoryagainst over-charging by the taxman.We all deserve to only pay the tax weowe – and businesses need to see theHMRC as fair and responsive to theirneeds.”

Mr Earnshaw said: “I’m so pleasedthat we’ve been successful in winningback the money. It was the principalrather than the amount refunded.

However, it comes after a long battle,which we really shouldn’t have had tofight.”

Amanda Vigar, managing partner atV&A Bell Brown, said: “This week weare celebrating a well-earned victoryagainst HMRC. The taxman has seenreason in light of our completelyrational case on behalf of a client whohad accidentally overpaid their tax dueto a miscalculation by HMRC. The

only problem was that the victory wasa little hollow given that it tooktwo-and-a-half long years to get theclient’s money back!”

She said: “Even once they’d admit-ted the overpayment, they refused torepay the money that was owed untilthe client proved why it had made theoverpayment. We had to resort togetting Jason McCartney MP andDavid Gauke MP, the ministerresponsible for HMRC, involved.”

The Association of Chartered Certi-fied Accountants warned those sub-mitting online self-assessment taxreturns to make sure they are in by theend of January – or face a £100 fine.

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, ACCA headof taxation, said: “There is no escapingthe fact that if you do miss the deadlineHMRC will fine you.

“At a time when money is tight forthe majority of people, the last thingyou need is to pay for something thatcould be easily avoided.

“HMRC will take seriously anyerrors in your returns, so I would urgeanyone to make sure they seek the helpof a professionally qualified account-ant. HMRC will apply a £100 fine ifyou are just a day late in submittingyour return. This applies whether youowe tax or not.”

■ TAXING: Amanda Vigar, managing partner at Bell Brown V&A, with MaxEarnshaw, director of Earnshaw Kay Estates, have done battle with HMRC

Orchard expands with a fresh crop of clientsA DRIVE to cut costs among busi-nesses in the retail and leisure sectorshas helped to create new jobs andnat ionwide expans ion for anElland-based group of companies.

The Orchard Group, which com-prises Orchard Energy, Orchard Envir-onmental and Orchard Networks, sawa “significant” increase in businessfrom tourism, heritage and sportingvenues during 2012 – with new clientsincluding the Millennium Stadium inCardiff, Somerset County CricketClub and Fife Ice Arena in Scotland.

Group managing director GarethHenderson said Orchard’s energy divi-sion had recently agreed deals withWest Yorkshire Playhouse, Northern

Ballet and the Yorkshire SculpturePark.

The group also work with retailershad expanded in the past 12 months toinclude efficiency planning as well aspurchasing.

Orchard has also been working withNorth East furniture retailer Barkerand Stonehouse throughout 2012 toprotect its budgets from gas and elec-tricity price fluctuations.

Orchard, which now employs 80people, also supported the firm withmeter downgrades and planning for anew £4m store in Knaresborough.

Other retail clients in 2012 includeCheque Centre, Costcutter and theMeadowhall and Ridings shopping

centres.Mr Henderson said Orchard

Energy’s longstanding working rela-tionship with stately homes such asChatsworth, Harewood and CastleHoward had paved the way for a dealbetween the group’s networks divisionand the Duke of Devonshire Estates toprovide managed IT services.

Mr Henderson said: “In 2013 we willbe developing a comprehensive tele-coms service as part of our IT supportincluding landline, mobile, broadbandand VoIP installation and technicalsupport.”

Waste management division Orch-ard Environmental has seen a 30%increase in business leading to the

creation of new jobs at head office inElland and the rolling out of its ser-vices to the group’s regional offices inBristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bradfordand Newcastle.

Said Mr Henderson: “Overall wehave expanded in terms of head countand geographical reach in all areas ofthe group’s operations and moved ourhead office from Brighouse to largerpremises in Elland in the first quarterof the year to facilitate growth.”

“Recruitment is now underway toexpand our teams in Newcastle, Bristoland Elland.

“More new jobs will be created in allthree businesses in 2013.”

Blowing hot and cold

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICES

closed at

Local shares

FTSE

6180.98Up 26.57

closed at

NEARLY a quarter of bankers fearthey will not get a bonus this year –as regulatory pressures weigh onpay in the scandal-hit financial ser-vices sector.

A poll of more than a thousandCity workers by recruitment firmAstbury Marsden reveals the per-centage expecting a “donought”, orzero bonus, in the current pay sea-son has doubled to 22% comparedwith the same time last year.

With reports suggesting thatRoyal Bank of Scotland will delveinto its bonus pot as it becomes thethird bank to pay fines connected

with the Libor scandal, half of therespondents believe governmentand regulatory pressure will have adetrimental impact on their pay.

Some 48% of City workers wouldconsider switching employers iflanded with an unsatisfactorybonus, bonuses being typically paidin February and March for the yearbefore. A fifth would look to be pro-moted with their current employersto increase pay prospects by othermeans.

The proportion who would con-sider moving abroad as a result ofpoor bonuses fell by 8%.

Back to market forhousebuilder Crest

Bankers fear for their bonusesTHE UK will be short of more than3m skilled workers by 2050 unless ashortage of suitably-trained employ-ees is not tackled, a new report haswarned.

Teachers will be in shortest supply,followed by construction workers andnurses, according to recruitment firmRandstad.

The UK is already suffering skillsshortages across many industries,while 70% of nuclear energy workerswill be retired by 2025, the studysaid.

About 60% of the population will

be of working age by 2050, comparedwith 66% today, said the research.

Mark Bull, chief executive of Rand-stad, said: “If the UK economy is togrow and overcome the difficulties ofthe last few years, then it requires astrong workforce capable of meetingdemand.

“Our projections are conservative,but they still portray a worrying scen-ario for the country over the comingdecades. With an ageing population,we need to ensure we are open forbusiness and welcoming talent fromaround the world.”

UK heading for skills gap

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.43 dollarsBangladesh................. 119.03 takaBrazil.............................. 2.89 realsCanada....................... 1.50 dollarsChina ............................. 8.82 yuanCzech Republic ...... 28.03 korunasDenmark....................... 8.46 kroneEuro............................... 1.14 euroHong Kong................ 11.68 dollarsHungary ................... 312.73 forintsIndia.......................... 75.35 rupeesJapan........................... 135.40 yenMexico ....................... 17.91 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.77 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.47 kronePakistan.................. 146.02 rupeesPhilippines ................. 55.32 pesosSouth Africa ................. 13.23 randSouth Korea.............. 1469.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 189.58 rupeesSweden......................... 9.87 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.41 francsTaiwan ...................... 40.16 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.65 new liraUSA ............................ 1.52 dollars

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £37.77Gannett 1253.63Hess Corp £36.43Microsoft 1721.85Motors Liquidation 47.39Wal-Mart Stores £43.73

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 404 -11BAE Systems 3451/2 +31/4Rolls-Royce 9251/2 +31/2

AIMBrady Plc 94

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 2481/8 +43/4

BANKSBarclays 2973/8 +3/8HSBC 6951/2 +15/8Lloyds Banking Gp 531/4 -1/8Ryl Scotland 3667/8 +81/8Stan Chart 1664 +9

BEVERAGESDiageo 18191/2 -231/2SABMiller £295/8 -1/4

CHEMICALSCroda £231/4 +1/4Elementis 98 2211/4 +13/4Johnsn Mat £233/8 +1/4

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 2881/4 -13/4Costain 255 +1

ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 5801/2 +18SSE 1435 +5

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 2355/8 -1/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 4041/8 +47/8

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 2483/4 +23/4Cable & WirelessComm

39 +5/8

Colt Group 1051/4 +1/4KCOM 751/2 +5/8Talktalk Telecom 2461/2 +1

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2553/8 +25/8Sainsbury 3281/2 +23/8Tesco 3505/8 +1/4

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1629 -6Tate Lyle 800 +7Unilever £243/8 +1/8

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3423/4 +41/4National Grid 695 +111/2Pennon Grp 675 +121/2Severn 1587 +17United Utils 7201/2 +91/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2495/8 +5/8ICAP 3291/2 +3/4London StockExch 1181 +12Man Group 971/4 +7/8Provident Financial 1424 +2

Schroders 1893 +6Schroders NV 1509 +12

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSREXAM 4593/4 -41/4Smiths Grp 1217 -4

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 273/4 +3/8Carphone Whse 2153/4 -11/4Dixons Retail 271/2 +1/4Home Retail 1331/8 -11/4Inchcape 4567/8 +41/8Kingfisher 2687/8 -4M & S 3661/2 +5/8Mothercare 3231/2 -11/2Next £393/4WH Smith 646 +301/2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 710 +121/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 861/4 +21/2Barrat Dev 230 -11/8Persimmon 8851/2 -3Reckitt Benckiser £411/4 +1/8Taylor Wimpey 74 -3/4

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGI M I 1164 +14

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 2711/4 +91/8

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 2271/4 -7/8

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 3747/8 +83/4

Lgl & Gen 1513/4 +1/4Old Mutual 1865/8 +7/8Prudential 933 +2Resolution 2681/4 +41/4Standard Life 3453/4 +3/8

MEDIABSkyB 792 -6D Mail Tst 588 +1HIBU 3/8ITV 1163/8 +11/4Johnston Press 123/4 +5/8Pearson 1202 -36Reed Elsevier 688 -3STV Group 119 +11/2Trinity Mirror 100Utd Business 728 -3UTV 1381/2 -31/2WPP 9731/2 -1/2

MININGAnglo American 18991/2 +14Antofagasta 1264 -6BHP Billiton £203/4 +1/4Eurasian NaturalRes

3397/8 +11/8

Fresnillo 1775 +25Kazakhmys 780 +31/2Lonmin 3427/8 +101/4Rio Tinto £351/2 +1/2VEDANTARESOURCES

1173 +4

Xstrata 1154 +161/2MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 620 +3Vodafone Group 1621/4 +3/8

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp 1211 +57RSA Insurance Gp 1271/4 +1/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 11191/2 +51/2BP 459 -13/8Cairn Energy 284 +31/4Royal Dutch Shell A £22Royal Dutch Shell B £225/8 +1/8Total £331/8 +1/8Tullow Oil 1154 -11

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 1102 +8Petrofac 1670 -6Wood Gp(J) 8201/2 -6

PERSONAL GOODS

Burberry Gp 1367 -19

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £303/4GlaxoSmithK 29Shire £203/4 -1/4

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 5661/2 -11/2Captl Shop Cent 3593/4 -3/8Hamrsn 491 +27/8Land Secs 8121/2 -31/2SEGRO 246 +11/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESInvensys 3403/8 +2Sage Group 317 -1/4

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 634 +2Bunzl 1105 +8Capita 7971/2 -1/2De La Rue 942 +41/2Electrocomp 2421/2 -1/4Experian 1085 -5G4S 2743/8 +5/8Hays 89Homeserve 2453/8 +11/4Menzies J 6541/2 -1Rentokil 903/4 +1/8Smiths News 162 +2Wolseley £293/8 +1/8

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 855 -6Spirent Comms 150 -1

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £321/4 +1/2

Imperial Tobacco £24 +1/8

LEISURE & HOTELS

Bwin.Party Digital 1013/4 -13/4Carnival £261/8 +3/8Compass Grp 7581/2 +3easyJet 8571/2 -141/2Enterprise Inns 1031/8 +1/2FirstGroup 1921/4 -3/4Go-Ahead Gp 1287 +3Greene King 6701/2 -1/2Intercontl Htls 1814 -1Intl Cons Airl 2121/2 +41/8Ladbrokes 1981/8 -11/4Mitchells & Butlers 3163/8 +33/4Natl Express 214 +13/8Rank Org 153Stagecoach Group 3051/4 +11/8TUI Travel 2933/4 +13/8Whitbread £247/8 +1/8

INDEXFTSE 100 6180.98 +26.57

INDEXFTSE 250 12994.94 +48.82

Carclo 501 +123/4Marshalls 107 +3/4National Grid 695 +111/2Weir Gp 1950 +44

HOUSEBUILDER Crest Nicholson isto return to the stock market after arollercoaster six years as a private com-pany.

The Surrey-based firm made theannouncement as it revealed a return toprofits in its latest results.

Crest Nicholson, which is a residen-tial developer focused on the southernhalf of England, was bought by HBOSand Sir Tom Hunter, the Scottish entre-preneur, in a £715m takeover at thepeak of the housing market in 2007.

It is now in the hands of Americanhedge fund Varde and Deutsche Bankafter the downturn in the propertymarket led to two debt restructurings in2009 and 2011.

The plan for a return to the Londonstock market, where it has traded for 39years of its 50-year history, will seeVarde and Deutsche sell some of theirstakes, while £50m from new shares willgo towards paying down existingdebt.

Stephen Stone, who has been Crest’s

chief executive since 2005, highlightedthe company’s “robust” balance sheetand said its short-term land bank nowboasted 17,000 plots on 72 sites.

He added: “The housing market isentering a period of gradual recoveryand with our emphasis on the South ofEngland, including London, and thecontinued support for the new homesmarket from Government, we are wellpositioned to generate value for share-holders.”

The company, which employs almost600 people, announced results showinga 28% rise in revenues to £408m, whileprofits of £62.1m for the year to Octo-ber 31 compared with a loss of £27m atear earlier.

Housing completions were up by24% to 1,882 – but Crest hopes toreturn volumes to about 2,500 homes ayear within three to four years.

The average selling price was up 3%to £230,000 in the period.

In a statement to the StockExchange, Crest said the group had a

highly experienced corer managementteam with a combined 100-years plusexperience in the UK housebuildingsector.

Stephen Stone, who was appointedchief executive since 2005, has morethan 30 years experience in the sectorgroup finance director Patrick Berginhas 18 years experience as a charteredaccountant – the last six of which havebeen with the group.

while directors , as well asChris Tinker, Steve Evans and Robin

Hoyles, who complete the core man-agement team, have a combined 92years experience in the sector.

The share offer will comprise an offerof new and existing shares. Proceedsfrom the offer, about £50m, will be usedto repay outstanding borrowings underthe group’s financing arrangements.The group said the offer, which willinclude a sale of existing shares bycertain institutional shareholders,would provide Crest Nicholson with“additional operational flexibility”.

MORTGAGE lendingincreased by anestimated £2 bn to£143bn during 2012 amidsigns of improvedconfidence in theproperty market, anindustry body said.

The Council ofMortgage Lendersexpects the figure for thisyear will reach £156bn,despite a dip last monthwhen £11.7bn was lent,compared with £12.7bnin November and£12.2bn for the samemonth a year earlier.

CML chief economistBob Pannell said: “Weare more positive aboutthe UK housing marketand wider economy thana year ago, despiteeconomic headwinds anddownside risks.”

He said that lendersnow faced fewer fundingpressures.

That was partly due tothe Funding for Lendingscheme operated by theBank of England and heTreasury..

The scheme, whichwas launched in August,has enabled severallenders to slash theirrates.

The CML said marketactivity was robust in thefinal quarter of 2012,helped by bettermortgage availability andpricing - a trend itexpects to continue in thecoming months.

For most months in2012, house purchaselending was aboveyear-earlier levels, whilefirst-time buyer activityaccounted for anunusually large 41% ofall house purchase loansin December for thesecond month in a row.

Homeloans lift

■ RECOVERY: Crest Nicholson chiefexecutive Stephen Stone says thehousing marketing is picking up

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

Tony Abbott

ReactivGroup

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Managing directorAge: 41Family: Married to Zoe withdaughter Lara, 16, and sonHarris, 14Car: A8 and MP4-12CMcLarenHolidays: DubaiFirst job: Bank clerk for Nat-WestBest thing about job:Being able to find solutions forclients. The other and equalthing is rewarding colleaguesWorst thing about job:Some colleagues and custom-ers want to cheat and beat thesystemBusiness tip: Think big –and never have cheats orthieves in your business

Work: Direct marketingSite: EllandPhone: 0844 8330700Email: info@reactivmedia.co.ukWeb: www.reactivmedia.co.uk

JustfollowyourdreamBUSINESS owners havebeen urged to “followyour dreams” to achievesuccess in 2013.

The advice comes frombusinessman TonyAbbott, whoseElland-based directmarketing company,Reactiv, went fromstrength to strengthduring 2012.

And he’s well-placed todispense the advice.

Tony had a dream toset up his own company,despite moving fromLondon to Yorkshire withjust £300 in his pocket in1994.

He didn’t let lack offunds hold him back andnow he has a businessthat turns over more than£6m a year.

Last year was the mostsuccessful to date.Despite the recession,Reactiv’s turnover wentup by 36% while thecompany recruited 50new staff and opened a£250,000 call centre.

Tony was also namedBritain’s Best Boss andwon several awards. Heeven managed to set uphis own charity,Heartbeat of Sport, whichgained him widespreadmedia attention.

Tony says the secret tohis success was aiminghigh, always having agoal to aspire to – andhaving a positive attitude.

“I’ve lived my lifefollowing my dreams andit’s never let me down,”he says. “I’ve always hada list of around 10dreams which take intoaccount my business, myfamily, my health and mysporting hobbies.

“One of them is to buildsomething to be proud ofand that’s Reactiv. Wehave come through toughtimes, but have got therein the end. It’s been hardwork but well worth it.”

The 41-year-old fatherof two set up Reactiv fiveyears ago with just 12staff at its headquartersin Gas Works Lane. Thecompany now employs250 staff at its

headquarters and anearby call centre. Tonyhas plans to take onanother 50 staff early thisyear.

His ambition is to makeReactiv a market leader indirect marketing – and it isalready on its way toachieving that goal.

Reactiv has releasedmore apps for the iStorethan any other UKdeveloper and a newdirect marketing toolcalled Activ Respondersis to be launched onto themarket this year.

It will be the first of itskind in the country andwill provide firms with themost up-to-date dataavailable.

Tony believes in sharinghis success with hiscolleagues and the localcommunity.

Last year, he decided togive something back andagreed to put a six-figuresum into Halifax RugbyLeague Football Club’scoffers for this season.

He joined the club twoyears ago and is now adirector. The deal isthought to be the biggestin the Co-operativeChampionship.

He was named Britain’sBest Boss last year afterinviting his staff to theirannual summerconference and surprising26 of them by makingtheir dreams come true.

Before the event theyfilled out a “wish list”

thinking it was ateam-building exercise.Tony asked a panel ofworkers to help him decidewhich wishes to grant. Hespent more than £20,000of his own money on giftsfor staff.

Along with requests forhelicopter lessons, UGGboots, a 3D TV, a diamondring and driving fast carsaround a track, was a pleafrom Adele Green, whoseeldest son, Joe, 12, has anincurable heart condition.She and her husband,Matthew, dreamed oftaking Joe and their fourother children to DisneyWorld in Florida while hewas still healthy enough,and last summer they hadtheir trip-of-a-lifetimeholiday. Joe has acongenital heart defect

and diabetes and getstired and short ofbreath. He has alreadyhad life-saving surgeryand faces more in thefuture.

Tony, a big sportsfan, then set upHeartbeat of Sport –prompted by anear-tragedy on thefootball field.

Tony had made the500-mile round trip towatch his belovedfootball team,Tottenham Hotspur playBolton at White HeartLane – and witnessedBolton midfielderFabrice Muambacollapse on the pitch.

The 24-year-oldformer footballersuffered a cardiacarrest and claims heowes his life to thequick actions of themedical team. Doctorssaid he was “in effect’”dead for 78 minutes.He was given 15defibrillator shocksbefore his heart startedbeating again.

Tony wanted to turnthe tragedy intosomething positive andset up the charity toraise the profile of thelife-threateningcondition SuddenCardiac Arrest, whichclaims the lives of 250people a day in the UK.

Heartbeat of Sport’sgoal is to educate and

empower people to actduring an emergency.

It plans to work closelywith both amateur andprofessional sports clubsand sportingorganisations at a locallevel and then, in time,nationally.

Not surprisingly, Tony’ssterling efforts havereceived recognition.

He picked up twoawards at the end of lastyear for Employer of theYear and BusinessPerson of the Year at alocal business awards.

He says the awardswere the culmination ofan exciting andrewarding year and thathe was overwhelmed tohave been recognised.

But rather than rest onhis laurels, he’s going allout to make 2013 evenmore amazing than2012, and – of course –his dreams come into it.

They include HalifaxRLFC winning SuperLeague, Tottenhamwinning the league,spreading the word andraising money forHeartbeat of Sport and –of course – makingReactiv even moresuccessful than it istoday.

“Watch this space”,says Tony.

■ MODEL BOSS: Tony Abbott, managing director ofReactiv Group with some of the staff who won recognition

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KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

RISKYBUSINESSKevin Barrett

Kevin Barrett is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd

Legal fortunesare improvingLEGAL practices in Ycontinue to see an imprtheir fortunes, accorby the Law Society.The survey, sponsorTSB Commercial, showpractice fee income fincreased by 3.6% in 2012compared with just 1% the pryear. Average net prpartner increased by 2% to £114,853from £112,549.Among other findingsshowed that the number of supporstaff per fee earner rat 0.61 while the 166 firrecruited 824 new stafincurring recruitment costs of£7.65m.

Young tycoonsget their chanceTHE search is underwBritain’s best univergraduate businessesNominations for the LloyEnterprise Awards – in whicentrants compete for a £50,000investment and mentoring prizwill close on Januarpotential entrants just oweeks to complete theirapplications.The awards, now in their secondyear, are part of LloyGroup’s commitment to starand growth firms. The ato support the estimastudent businesses acrthat are striving to makThe competition is open to curstudents or those who hagraduated within the past fiwho have been running a bfor at least one year and arage of 18.To enter, go to wwwenterpriseawards. Abe shortlisted and considerjudging panel in one of eight finalsacross England, Scotland andWales, during Marcwill be held in April aBirmingham.All entrants will be considertwo titles – Best Starbe awarded to a business in its earlystages, and Best Enterwill be awarded to the bjudged to show real potential togrow over the next fiAll winners of the initial heaget cash prizes of £1,000 fStart Up and £5,000 fEnterprise and will be automaentered for the national final.The overall winner of Best Starwill be awarded a cash priz£10,000 and the winner of BestEnterprise will be aprize of £50,000.All 16 regional and nawill receive a comprtwo-year mentoring prinvolving senior executiLloyds Banking Groupdesigned to provide coacsupport on critical bsuch as planning and finance

Off to a flyer –tohelp the hospiceA HUDDERSFIELDbusiness is doing its bitto help raise funds forKirkwood Hospice.Design, print anddistribution businessMr Flyer, based atHeritage Exchange inLindley, has distributed20,000 booklets forclient Domino’s Pizza –and offered free space in the 12-pagebooklet to help the Dalton hospicepromote its Capital Appeal.one of its clients,Andrew Robinson (pictured), managingdirector of Mr Flyer, said: “We enjoydoing our bit to help out local charitieswhenever we can. Kirkwood Hospicedoes so much for our community and Iwould encourage everyone who can helpto do their bit too.”The Capital Appeal has so far raised£1.5m of the £3m target needed torebuild and refurbish KirkwoodHospice’s in-patient unit.

Firm lands major contractA CLECKHEATON manufacturer hassecured a major order from one of theUK’s largest independent funeraldirectors.

Ferno (UK) Ltd is to supplybespoke-designed 50 stretchers forAW Lymn The Family Funeral Servicefor use at its funeral homes acrossNottinghamshire and SouthDerbyshire.

Chris King, business developmentmanager at Ferno, said the company’sability to meet the customer’s exactrequirements was crucial in securingthe order.

He said: “An increasing concern forthose operating in the funeral sector –and indeed all the sectors we deal with– is the health and safety of employeeswhilst lifting and carrying and theprevention of related injuries.

“Ferno is responding to this bydeveloping products which areinnovative and ultimately make lifeeasier and safer for workers.”

AW Lymn The Family FuneralService has 24 sites in the EastMidlands.

Managing director Nigel Lymn Rosesaid: “We were looking for a new rangeof stretchers which were kitted out withthe latest technology and innovationsand would also help protect ouremployees from injuries whilst liftingand carrying.

“Ferno were able to meet ourspecific requirements, even able toincorporate our company logo on toeach stretcher. The quality of theproduct is outstanding and customerservice has been excellent

throughout.”Ferno offers a range of stretchers,

trolleys and refrigeration units for thefuneral and mortuary sector as well asafter-sales service with repair andmaintenance.

■ DONE DEAL: Nigel Lymn-Rose (left) and Matthew Lymn-Rose (right), of AWLymn The Family Funeral Service, pictured with Chris King and PenelopeNorth, of Ferno (UK) Ltd

Let’s take thetemperature!WHAT temperature should it be

in your workplace?As widespread snow hits the country,

many employers experience complaintsfrom staff about the temperature in theworkplace.

There is a common misconceptionthat there is a “legal minimum temper-ature”.

There is no such minimum specifiedby the law.

However, it is recommended by theHealth and Safety Executive that thetemperature in workrooms should nor-mally be at least 16deg C – or 13deg Cif much of the work is physical.

The Workplace (Health, Safety andWelfare) Regulations 1992 state partic-ular requirements for most aspects ofthe working environment.

The seventh of these regulationsdeals specifically with the temperatureindoor workplaces and states: “Duringworking hours, the temperature in allworkplaces inside buildings shall bereasonable.

“However, the application of theregulation differs depending on thenature of the workplace i.e. a bakery, acold store, an office, a warehouse.”

The associated Approved Code OfPractice goes on to explain: “The tem-perature in workrooms should providereasonable comfort without the needfor special clothing.

“Where such a temperature isimpractical because of hot or coldprocesses, all reasonable steps shouldbe taken to achieve a temperaturewhich is as close as possible to comfort-able”.

“Workroom” means a room wherepeople normally work for more thanshort periods.

The temperature in workroomsshould normally be at least 16deg Cunless much of the work involves severephysical effort, in which case the tem-perature should be at least 13deg C.

These temperatures may not,however, ensure reasonable comfort,depending on other factors such as airmovement and relative humidity.

If the temperature in a workroom isuncomfortably high, for example dueto hot processes or the design of thebuilding, all reasonable steps should betaken to achieve a reasonably comfort-able temperature, such as by shading

windows; insulating hot plants orpipes, providing an air-cooling plant,locating workstations away from placessubject to radiant heat.

If a reasonably comfortable temper-ature is unable to be attainedthroughout a workroom, local coolingshould be provided.

And in extremely hot weather fansand increased ventilation may be usedinstead of local cooling.

If, despite the provision of localcooling, workers are exposed to tem-peratures that still don’t give reasonablecomfort, suitable protective clothingand rest facilities should be provided.

Also, where practical, systems ofwork should be implemented such astask rotation.

This would ensure that the length oftime for which individual workers areexposed to uncomfortable temperat-ures is limited.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, InvestecWealth & Investment

CITYTALKNick Gartland

Legal fortunesare improving

actices in Yorkshireue to see an improvement in

, according to a surveyw Society.

, sponsored by Lloydscial, showed that

ee income for legal firmseased by 3.6% in 2012

ed with just 1% the previousge net profit per equityeased by 2% to £114,853

Among other findings, the surveyumber of support

ner remained steadyt 0.61 while the 166 firms polledecruited 824 new staff last year,

ecruitment costs of

oung tycoonsget their chance

h is underway to findersity student and

usinesses.or the Lloyds TSB

ds – in whichants compete for a £50,000

estment and mentoring prize –uary 31. That gives

ants just over threeeeks to complete their

, now in their secondt of Lloyds Banking

s commitment to start-ups. The awards aims

t the estimated 55,000usinesses across Britain

ving to make their mark.The competition is open to currentstudents or those who have

ted within the past five yearse been running a business

ear and are over the

o to www.lloydstsb.com/. Applications will

tlisted and considered by ajudging panel in one of eight finals

oss England, Scotland andch. The grand final

pril at Edgbaston,

ants will be considered foro titles – Best Start Up, which will

usiness in its early, and Best Enterprise which

ded to the businesseal potential toxt five years.

s of the initial heats willes of £1,000 for Best

t Up and £5,000 for Bestprise and will be automatically

tional final.all winner of Best Start up

ded a cash prize of£10,000 and the winner of Best

prise will be awarded a cash

gional and national winnerse a comprehensive

ear mentoring programme,xecutives fromoup. This is

vide coaching andt on critical business issues

h as planning and finance.

Ask getsthe rightanswers

It’s tax planning– not avoidanceTAX avoidance schemes are a relat-

ively hot topic at the moment andHM Revenue & Customs have pro-duced guidance on what they mean bytax avoidance.

They state: “Tax avoidance is bending therules of the tax system to gain a tax advant-age that Parliament never intended. It ofteninvolves contrived, artificial transactionsthat serve little or no purpose other than toproduce a tax advantage. It involves operat-ing within the letter – but not the spirit – ofthe law.”

They make it clear that tax avoidance isnot the same at tax planning, which involvesusing tax reliefs for the purpose for whichthey were intended.

For example, claiming tax relief on capitalinvestments, saving in a tax exempt ISA orclaiming tax relief on pension contributionsare all legitimate forms of tax planning.

While such actions may reduce the totalamount of tax paid, they are certainly not taxavoidance because they involve using taxreliefs in the way that Parliament intendedwhen it passed the relevant legislation.

Higher rate taxpayers naturally have themost to gain from tax planning. However,the Government has significantly reduced

the availability of tax relief for pensioncontributions and the amount one can shel-ter from tax within ISAs is also limited.

So, what other steps can higher rate tax-payers take?

Offshore investment bonds should be a keyconsideration for higher rate taxpayers as aninvestment portfolio which is held within anoffshore bond will not be subject to eitherCapital Gains Tax or Income Tax, which inturn equates to an uplift of up to 66% oninvestment income for higher rate taxpay-ers.

An investment portfolio within the bondcan also be managed on a bespoke, discre-tionary basis so one would not be tied towhat could be a limited range of fundsavailable through the provider of the offshorebond.

One is also able to take regular monthlywithdrawals from the Bond of up to 5% perannum of the initial amount investedwithout any tax implications until the fullvalue of the initial investment has beenreturned.

This type of planning allows one to benefitfrom tax efficient investment returns for asignificant period of time.

Costs for Offshore Bonds have also fallensignificantly over recent years so, for higherrate taxpayers who are maximising pensioncontributions and ISA allowances, seriousthought should be given to holding a portfo-lio of investments in this way.

Tax legislation is, of course, subject tochange, so professional advice should alwaysbe taken in the first instance.

Top drawer move

■ HAPPY BAND: Pictured with the new machine are (back from left)Nigel Allen, Richard Porter, Marvin Wedderburn and Matthew Fisher with(front) Giovanni Vassallo and Peter Hansell.

A MARKETING agencyin Huddersfield comeshighly recommended.Ask Marketing Ltd isstarting 2013 on a highafter being awardedRecommended AgencyRegister accreditation.The independent markof quality in the agencyworld, is a result ofAsk’s clients spendingtime positively ratingAsk for its marketresearch services basedon the work the agencyhas produced for them.Ask director SusanKenyon said: “We areabsolutely delighted tohave RAR status.“This is testament to thehard work anddetermination of theteam, building strongrelationships withclients and producing ahigh quality standard ofwork which goes beyondthe clients expectations.“We hope to build onthis by continuing todeliver first class marketresearch and marketingto both existing and newclients over the comingyear.”

A FAMILY firm in Huddersfield hascompleted a key investment.

Abbeymill, which has 13 peopleat its premises in Lincoln Street,has been manufacturing modern,contemporary and traditional fittedkitchens, bedrooms and livingspace furniture in the town formore than 36 years.

The company has alsodeveloped a wide range ofbespoke fitted furniturespecifications with new doorranges being introduced to meetthe requirements of a very diverse

national market.The latest move was to invest in

a state-of-the-art banding andmilling machine, which is used tostick PVC edging materials tocabinets in all shapes and sizes.

Director Mike McGee said:“Despite the downturn, we havecontinued to grow and invest inboth labour and machinery.

“Investment in new technologyensures that ever-changingdemand of the industry can beachieved, but skilled and loyal staffwill always be a key factor.”

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6

Award hopes■ PICTURE PRIZE: The Oakes Care Centre, which was officially opened by former Town footballer Denis Law, hasnow been shortlisted for an award

Delays ‘costing jobs’

Sixty-acre site up for saleA 60-acre site in Huddersfieldis up for sale.The land at Crosland Hillforms the remainder ofproperty owned by Foray 1088Ltd, formerly StandardHoldings Ltd, and is beingsold by joint administrativereceivers Keith Hinds and JoeMcLean, of Grant Thornton.The largest part of the landframes the Black CatFireworks site with frontagesto Blackmoorfoot Road,Crosland Hill Road and FelksStile Road.Walker Singleton CharteredSurveyors have beenappointed to handle the sale.

Paul Andrew, associate in thecommercial propertydepartment, said: “The sitepresents an extensive tract ofland, elements of which areperceived as holdingsignificant future developmentpotential.“There has beenlong-standing interest invarious areas within the sitefor diverse uses. Themarketing campaign beingundertaken will ensure all theoptions and alternatives areexplored before a final sale isagreed, as a whole or incomponent plots.”

Employees hit the right keyTEN employees at claywarecompany Naylor Industrieshave received certificatesafter completing a computercourse.The certificates werepresented by Edward Naylor,chief executive of theCawthorne-based business,which draw many of itsworkers from Kirklees.Mr Naylor said: “It is vital thatwe equip our employees withthe IT skills they need todevelop their careers atNaylor.“Our business is no different

to the wider world – ourdependency on technologygrows every year andappropriate training is vital toensure that we can realise theopportunities that this affordsthe company and ouremployees”.The employees – operativesand supervisors whoundertook the training are DanWigley, Ian Taylor, MikeStelling, Sarah Robinson,Kevin Broadhead, AdamMartin, Mark Pashley, NickHilton and Jason Whiteley.

A CARE home constructed by a Huddersfieldproperty developer has been shortlisted for anational award.

Meridian Healthcare-owned Oakes CareHome – the work of Brockholes-baseddeveloper Conroy Brook – is in the runningfor honours in the annual Pinders HealthcareDesign Awards, which recognise design excel-lence in care homes throughout the UK.

The Oakes has been shortlisted in the NewCare Homes (Small) category.

Conroy Brook began work on the carehome in 2011 and completed on schedule inApril last year. Former Huddersfield Townfootballer Denis Law officially opened thefacility in August and it is already 80% full.

The Oakes has been designed on the site ofa former local authority home and makes useof existing mature trees to create a beautifullandscaped garden.

Residents living on the ground floor havelarge single bedrooms, each with an en-suiteshower room and many with patio doorsopening out onto the delightful patio andgardens.

Residents with residential and dementiacare needs are also welcomed at the home.Facilities for those with dementia include avillage store offering old-fashioned sweets,twine and other useful everyday objects andmemory boxes are located at every bedroom

door. The layout, carpets and furniture havebeen specially selected to support the needs ofthose with dementia.

Conroy Brook and Meridian Healthcareare no strangers to these design awards,having received Best New DevelopmentAward for White Rose House at Holmfirth in2005.

Meridian managing director Susan Firthsaid: “Our vision for the care of older peoplehas always been the provision of excellentquality care and facilities.

“Having the design of our care centresrecognised in this way is a fantastic testamentto the effort and thought put in by everyoneinvolved with our facilities.”

Conroy Brook chief executive RichardConroy said: “We are delighted that TheOakes has been shortlisted for this prestigiousaward and that we had the opportunity towork with Meridian once again.

“The development has brought back to lifea redundant site and we are proud to knowthat we have helped to create a vital facilitythat contributes to the health and wellbeing ofthe people of Kirklees.”

The competition judges will visit The Oakesin early 2013. Winners in each category will beannounced on March 21, 2013, at an event tobe held in London.

ALMOST 400 jobs have been lost in theinsulation industry in Yorkshire sinceDecember – and delays in the introduction ofthe Green Deal and Energy CompanyObligation are to blame, according to anindustry body.

The Insulation Industry Forum said 397people had lost their jobs in the region sincelast month while 100 were on notice.

Last year, the IIF warned that up to 16,000jobs – 45% of the sector – would be lost inthe insulation industry due to delays in theimplementation of the Green Deal and ECO

It said the Coalition Government had failedto respond to its call for a transition schemeto bridge the gap between the end of anexisting subsidy scheme and the start of thenew Green Deal and ECO schemes.

John Sinfield, managing director of KnaufInsulation, Europe said: “We believe that upto 60,000 homes will not now get theinsulation they need at the coldest time of theyear, with insulation ordered for 34,235homes cancelled due to lack of funding andenquiries for insulation in another 27,284homes having been placed on hold.”

FOR SALELand at Crosland HillHuddersfield, HD4 7AD

1 24.84 Hectares (61.38 Acres) approximately1 Significant Development Potential1 Substantial Agricultural Land Holding1Available as a Whole or as Smaller Lots

Upon Instructions ofK Hinds and J P McLean asJoint Administrative Receiversof Foray 1088 Limited.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 7

Busiest year for insulation firm

■ FRONT OF HOUSE: Above – Hanson Structherm’s EWI systems help to improve the thermalperformance of buildings, reducing CO2 emissions and ongoing energy cost. Above left – YvonneColdwell, marketing manager for Hanson Structherm,

A FIRM specialising in external wall insu-lation has completed its busiest year withorder levels more than doubling over theprevious 12 months.

Holmfirth-based manufacturer HansonStructherm now has its sights set on becom-ing the number one EWI supplier in theUK.

Yvonne Coldwell, Hanson Structherm’smarketing manager, said: “We’ve had anincredible year, but are not resting on ourlaurels.

“Our vision is to become the number oneEWI supplier in the UK and we are confid-ent we can achieve this by providing the bestsystems and customer service in theindustry.

“We are also ready to deliver Green Dealand Energy Company Obligation projects,which are set to boost orders further and wehave introduced a free service to help ourcustomers with their ECO funding propos-als.”

Hanson Structherm’s EWI systems areapproved by the British Board of Agrément– the UK’s major authority offeringapproval and certification services to man-ufacturers and installers supplying the con-struction industry.

Approval by the BBA confirms HansonStructherm’s products have a minimumdesign life of 30 years and that their useimproves the thermal performance of build-ings, reducing CO2 emissions and ongoingenergy costs for residents.

The products are used for both low and

high rise projects and for all types ofconstruction including solid brick, con-crete, steel or timber frame.

Hanson Structherm, based at Bent LeyRoad, Meltham, has been providing innov-ative building solutions to the constructionindustry for more than 25 years, includingexternal wall insulation, structural externalwall insulation and the Fastbrick brick slipcladding system.

Brook Mill, Crimble, Slaithwaite

Large former multi occupied mill complexclose to centre of Slaithwaite

Total site area 0.81 acres with redevelopmentpotential (stp)

3,305 m2 (35,576 sq ft)

Industrial

FOR SALE Re-available following abortive negotiations

Commercial

FOR SALE

291 Wakefield Road, Lepton

Mainly occupied commercial property(on inclusive agreements) immediatelyadjacent A642 Wakefield Road

Gross income £24,240 pax

Price reduced to only £295,000

www.michaelsteel.co.ukAll enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co

on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

Commercial

FOR SALE

The Commercial Inn, 43 ChurchStreet, Paddock , Huddersfield

Highly prominent public house withalternative use potential (STP)

287m2 (3,091 sq ft) gross

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Tandem charity pledgeTWO partners at a Huddersfieldaccountancy firm are back on theirtandem to raise cash for charity.

Karen Borowski (above, right) andJennifer Davies (left), of Revell Ward,based at Market Street, has set outtheir stall to complete 13 charity bikerides during 2013 after taking part inHuddersfield Town’s Pedal4Poundscharity bike ride last year, which raisedthousands of pounds for theElland-based Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Said Jennifer: “We enjoyed all thetraining for P4P3 last year, despite all

the bad weather. We raised a lot ofmoney for the Keep It Up campaignand this year we would like to benefiteven more charities.”

The duo plan to set up a fund tobenefit a number of local charities – soany charities wanting to be a part of theaction are welcome to put their caseforward for consideration.

Said Karen: “Revell Ward is knownfor its charity specialism and we want tokeep the fun in fundraising.

“We will do our best to support up to13 charities this year.”

No pressure forvalve companyA VALVE manufacturer has bucked thegloomy trend to recruit 16 new starters inthree months.

Brighouse-based Koso Kent Introl saidthe new appointments came as the companyrecorded a strong end to 2012.

KKI manufactures and exports standardservice control valves, severe service controlvalves, high-technology surface chokevalves and high-performance rotary valvesto the oil and gas, petrochemical and powerindustries worldwide.

Sales director David Limb said: “I amdelighted to announce these latest appoint-ments that reflect the company’s continuinginvestment in its people, processes andinnovative manufacturing.

“We are developing the engineering busi-ness from our roots right here in Brighouseand growing our presence overseas in coun-tries like Brazil. We look forward to build-ing on this investment during 2013 andbeyond.”

Last October, KKI opened a hi-tech £2mmachining centre at one of its Brighousefactories, representing a significant mile-stone for the company. It forms part of itsContinuous Improvement Programme toachieve world-class engineering and manu-facturing excellence for its oil and gascustomers across the world.

The new employees are working acrossthe company’s three factories in Brighouseand include James Hatton and Jason White,who start as new apprentices.

Other new starters include Darren East-

wood, Leigh Grayson and Nigel Richard-son as trainee fitters; Stephen Magowan asregional sales manager; Craig Smith, CNCoperator; Andrew Ellis, fitter; Simon Fair-burn, machine operator; Darren Lloyd,design engineer; Amy Ockwell, qualityassurance administrator and technician;Christopher Pickering, graduate trainee;

Andrew Cliffe, workshop supervisor; PhilipBrunt, project engineer; Karl Prust,draughtsman; and Michael Bryan asexternal spares sales engineer.

KKI is owned by Japanese firm NihonKOSO Co Ltd, a global leader in thecontrols and process automation systemsmarket.

■ READY FOR WORK: Some of the new starters at Koso Kent Introl in Brighouse

Zak Suleman & Tim Fletcher

BrighterConnectionsTWO key appointments have been made by aHuddersfield-based IT practice.

Edgerton-based Brighter Connections hasrecruited Zak Suleman as a sales specialist andTim Fletcher as a technical consultant.

Managing director Darren Stringer said theappointments had been made to help drive thecompany’s growth in the education sector.

Mr Suleman has a proven track record as asales professional in the education sector,working on virtualisation projects and networkrefresh opportunities in schools. He also hasspecialist knowledge of VDI solutions, wirelesstechnologies and storage and backup solutions.

Mr Fletcher is a skilled systems architect andintegrator with extensive project managementand team leadership experience. He has 13years experience working in the educationsector, including being part of ManchesterChildren's Services technical team.

The appointments come as BrighterConnections develops its specialised educationdivision to help schools, academies, collegesand universities get significant benefits fromtheir IT investment.

Adrian Waring

HuddersfieldVolkswagenA MOTOR dealer inHuddersfield has a newmanager.

Adrian Waring (pictured)has been recruited to leadthe team at HuddersfieldVolkswagen. His first jobwas to oversee a fullrefurbishment of the LeedsRoad site – which includeda major facelift for theshowroom, after-sales areaand workshop to create a brighter environmentincorporating digital showroom technology.

Mr Waring, 41, who is married with threedaughters, joined Volkswagen from BMW wherehe worked for the parent brand and Mini.

He said: “I’m looking to consolidateHuddersfield Volkswagen’s position in the localarea. This is a long-established business withan excellent reputation. We believe thenew-look showroom will be a big hit withcustomers.”

Hotel achieves3-star statusA HUDDERSFIELDtown centre hotel hasbeen given three-staraccreditation.

The HuddersfieldCentral Lodge, BeastMarket, has beenupgraded from GuestAccommodation to3-Star Metro Hotelfollowing “incognito”overnight inspectionsfrom the AA andtourism body VisitEngland.

The criteria which must be met for thisaward is the same as other officiallyaccredited 3-star hotels. The only differenceis that where a full restaurant facility is notavailable, there must be a wide and variedselection of restaurants within a 10-minutewalk.

Joe Marsden, who runs the hotel with hisbrother Johnny, said guests who didn’t wish toeat in town could choose from an extensiveroom service menu throughout the evening.To provide the service, two extra staff hadbeen employed, one part-time and onefull-time who worked at the George Hotel untilits recent closure.

Joe Marsden said: “We are delighted withour new accreditation.”

The demise of the George Hotel meansHuddersfield Central Lodge is the only 3-starhotel in the town centre.

Jonathan Riley

GrantThorntonBUSINESS and financialadvisory firm GrantThornton has appointedJonathan Riley as head oftax.

Mr Riley (pictured) iscurrently practice leaderfor Yorkshire and will takeup his new post from April1, when he succeedsFrancesca Lagerberg, whowill become global head oftax at Grant Thornton International.

Mr Riley worked in the Civil Service, mainlyas an inspector of taxes in Yorkshire andLondon before taking up a two-yearsecondment to the Department of Trade &Industry as tax policy adviser to the Presidentof the Board of Trade. He has a career intaxation spanning 20 years.